A duo of best friends turned their lockdown knitting hobby into a profitable business selling DIY knitting kits.
Morgan Collins, 35, and Cat Bloxsom, 33, have sold over 2.8 million meters of yarn. This is enough to orbit the MCG about 6,000 times. In his first 18 months of operation, he made $1 million.
Both, originally from Melbourne, self-taught themselves to knit during the 2020 global pandemic, and say they fell in love with it after showing each other their creations on FaceTime.
They found themselves around two years ago as a “side hustle” selling knitting kits complete with high-quality merino wool balls, easy-to-follow instructions, “made by me” tags, sticks and tote bags. I turned my passion into a cardigan. .
The duo told the Daily Mail Australia that after meeting while working in the insurance marketing industry and before deciding to start a business together, they immediately hit it off due to similar interests, values and ‘hairstyles’. He announced that he had pitched.
Morgan Collins (left) and Cat Bloxsom (right) fell in love with knitting during Melbourne’s Covid-19 lockdown and turned it into a million dollar business in less than two years
The best friends shared their knitting progress via video chat, and soon the “pretty cool knits” they were wearing began attracting the attention of family and friends.
“When Melbourne went into lockdown in 2020, we were looking for creative outlets that would not only help us stay connected, but also keep our hands busy and our minds calm,” said Morgan.
“We loved the idea of making our own wearables. , I discovered how easy it is to master.
The “pretty cool knits” they wore soon started attracting the attention of family and friends, who inspired them to turn their hobby into a lucrative business.
“After some self-taught and groping, I wanted to create a kit that would give beginner knitters the confidence to create something they could be proud to wear,” Kat said.
Friends, with or without knitting experience, cardigans help customers create stylish, customizable wool cardigans, tops, vests, jumpers, beanies, or scarves in “dopamine-inducing” colors. started.
Friends, regardless of their knitting skill level, started cardiganing as a “sideline” selling knitting kits to help customers create stylish wool cardigans, jumpers, beanies, or scarves in “dopamine-inducing” colors. started.
Knitting kit includes high-quality merino wool ball, easy-to-follow instructions, ‘made by me’ tag, stick, and tote bag
“Learning to knit is like learning code or any other language, but it’s actually not a difficult skill to master once you get over the complex nature of knitting patterns,” Morgan said. .
“Our kit is completely beginner-focused. We are there to support our customers in case of an emergency,” added Cat.
They said they would start their business “conservatively”, ordering only 40 kilograms of wool and being “excited” if they could sell that amount in six months.
Morgan said the first year of business was a “roller coaster”, with people stuck at home and the growing popularity of knitting, and supply chain and staffing issues as the world came and went. I mentioned that the stock was constantly sold out. Blockade.
“But we knew early on that this was a business with great potential. As marketers, we spent a lot of time developing our business plan and brand before launch.
“When we were looking down the barrel for our second winter, we knew that if we wanted to make the most of the opportunities we had in cardiganing, we’d both have to do it full-time.
Kat and Morgan quit their corporate jobs in March of this year to focus on cardiganing full-time.
The pair now sells an average of 20kg each day, and people have been seen on the streets wearing cardigan pieces that Morgan said put a “big smile” on her face.
“We are in our second year in business and are focused on finding our groove and growing the business through product development and expansion into other markets,” says Cat.
“Neither of these things would have been possible if Cardigan was still a side hustle.”
They say lockdowns have been a “catapult” for business, but thanks to the focus on eco-friendly fashion and comfortable clothing, the love for knitting continues now that the world is open, they say. I’m watching it.
“Fashion has become more relaxed. Obviously, the tracksuit was temporary, but the idea that we can still be both comfortable and stylish even now, when we are out and about more, has given us a lot of confidence. I’ve been really drawn to it,” Kat said.
“People are becoming more aware of the environmental impact of many forms of consumerism, including fashion, and as a result are becoming more selective when it comes to the fashion they buy,” Morgan added. .
Business is still booming, and Morgan and Kat plan to expand their cardigan range to include knitwear that people can wear after the cold winter months.
Since its initial 40kg order, the pair now sells an average of 20kg each day, seeing people on the streets wearing the cardigan piece Morgan said puts a “big smile” on her face. You may even see them.
Moran is amazed at how often customers talk about how knitting has had a positive impact on their lives, such as reducing anxiety and allowing them to connect with their grandparents. There is
Business is still booming, and Morgan and Kat plan to expand their cardigan range to include knitted clothing that people can wear after the cold winter months.
They also have plans to launch their products in the United States, as they predict American customers will embrace the brand.
“We believe the key to our success is the accessibility, unique style and playfulness of our kits,” Morgan said.
“We are focused on preserving that essence as we expand into more styles, fibers and markets.”
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